Thank you!
Anthony

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New “Treat Obesity Seriously” Effort Encourages Treatment of Obesity as a Serious Health Condition, Such as Heart Disease and Cancer The Obesity Society Unveils Tools and Resources to Educate Policymakers and Support Healthcare Providers

The Obesity Society Logo. (PRNewsFoto/The Obesity Society)

SILVER SPRING, Md., May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – With two out of three adults in the United States considered obese or overweight[i] obesity scientists and clinicians are asking that obesity be treated as a serious health condition, such as heart disease and cancer, to bring us closer to combatting the epidemic. The Obesity Society (TOS), the leading professional society dedicated to better understanding, preventing and treating obesity, is launching the Treat Obesity Seriously campaign to encourage a shift in the way Americans look at the disease. The effort is aimed at educating policymakers on the need to recognize obesity as a serious condition and providing clinicians the tools to diagnose and treat obesity.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120531/DC16753LOGO)

“Obesity is one of the most complex, chronic medical conditions,” said Harvey Grill , PhD, TOS President. “Successful treatment often requires the support and guidance of professionals. Unfortunately, the way many people look at obesity in the U.S. is limiting the treatment approach, which often means lower standards of care, inconsistent communication of treatment options, and disjointed care coordination. Multidisciplinary care is necessary to treat obesity, particularly given the complex nature of the disease and its impact on both physical and mental health.”

It is widely accepted that obesity puts individuals at risk for more than 30 health conditions,[ii] including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.[iii] Obesity also has a strong correlation to depression.[iv] However, evidence increasingly shows that it is harder for some people to take effective steps on their own to lose weight. For example, brain activity studies show that obese people get a smaller “reward” when eating than people of normal weight[v] and each year more genetic factors are found to be associated with obesity.[vi]

As part of the effort, TOS is looking to policymakers to improve access for obesity treatment so those affected can get the same necessary medical care and treatment coverage that’s available to all others who suffer from other chronic diseases. Some members of Congress are already working to improve access to weight-loss counseling and new prescription drugs for chronic weight management through Medicare. Legislation is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.

These members recognize the value of treating obesity and understand the personal and population impact of weight loss. In fact, a 5 – 10 percent weight loss alone can have significant benefits for a patients’ health[vii] and new research shows that preventing obesity can have substantial long-term cost savings for the entire healthcare system.[viii]

“Obesity treatment is a smart strategy to improve public health and clinician engagement is an important factor,” said Grill. “Patients are three times more likely to lose weight if their healthcare provider talks to them about the variety of options available for managing and treating the disease.”[ix]

Real-life stories illustrate the impact of healthcare professional involvement in weight loss. Keith Driggers , of Johns Island, South Carolina, battled obesity since age 18 and decided to move forward with treatment when his doctor diagnosed him as prediabetic and emphasized the importance of losing weight to stave off diabetes and resolve other health problems.

“That first conversation with my doctor prompted me to take the next step to address my weight,” said Driggers. “My team of weight loss professionals was truly what helped me to drop the weight. The nearly 140 pounds I lost made me feel physically and emotionally better, and resolved multiple health issues including prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, GERD and knee pain.”

Keith’s story is just one of the many that TOS has collected on its website, and what the organization hopes will be many more.

“There are simple and effective ways to talk with patients about weight,” said Grill. “As part of the campaign, we’re working to support healthcare providers in having conversations about Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference, how high scores can negatively impact health and the solutions available to begin managing weight.”

Through the newly launched campaign website, TreatObesitySeriously.org, clinicians can sign up to receive the following tools by mail.

• BMI prescription pad: Clinicians can record and share information with patients about BMI and waist circumference, two of the primary measures of obesity. The pad also includes information about obesity-related risks and provides links to find out more information about the disease.
• Physician office poster, “Obesity is a serious disease”: As they wait to see the doctor, patients can learn more about obesity, such as related health conditions and the significant impact moderate weight loss, as little as 5 percent, can have on these conditions.
• BMI wheel calculator: Technology is not necessary to determine BMI. This simple, circular paper tool allows for a quick calculation of BMI by matching height and weight.

The Treat Obesity Seriously campaign will continue with activities on Capitol Hill and the development of additional, more detailed, resources to help clinicians talk with patients about their weight.

Individuals can support the campaign by visiting the website and sharing Treat Obesity Seriously information and materials with their family, friends and healthcare providers. And, people affected by obesity can find tips about talking to their healthcare provider through Your Weight Matters, developed by The Obesity Action coalition at: www.YourWeightMatters.com.

About The Obesity Society (TOS)
TOS is the leading professional society dedicated to better understanding, preventing and treating obesity. Through research, education and advocacy, TOS is committed to improving the lives of those affected by the disease. For more information please visit: www.Obesity.org.

About the Treat Obesity Seriously Campaign
Treat Obesity Seriously is a campaign by TOS to fight obesity, a disease that affects too many Americans. The campaign was developed in collaboration with a corporate advisory council, which includes evidence-based industry organizations who have a shared commitment to help shift the dialogue from blame to solution, and treat obesity as we do other serious health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Visit www.TreatObesitySeriously.org to learn how to treat obesity seriously and support a solution.

[i] Centers for Disease Control, 2011: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
[ii] Trust for America’s Health, 2013: http://healthyamericans.org/obesity/ 
[iii] Centers for Disease Control, 2011: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/ 
[iv] Luppio, S., 2010: http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/3/220
[v] University of Cambridge, 2010: http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/insight-into-links-between-obesity-and-activity-in-the-brain
[vi] Centers for Disease Control, 2012: http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/resources/diseases/obesity/index.htm
[vii] Blackburn, G., 1995: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8581779
[viii] Campaign to End Obesity, 2013: http://www.obesitycampaign.org/documents/FinalLong-TermReturnsofObesityPreventionPolicies.pdf
[ix] Prevention, 2011: http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips/weight-loss-doctors

SOURCE The Obesity Society

What does low GI mean? When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates – sugars and starches – your blood sugar (glucose) will rise as that carbohydrate is digested and absorbed.  Studies have shown that the rate and degree of that rise in blood sugar varies considerably across foods.  High GI foods release their carbs rapidly, producing a bigger spike in blood glucose and subsequently insulin levels.  Low GI foods release their glucose more slowly.  As a result, insulin levels also rise less, and this is part of a cascade of differences that favor low GI meal plans from a health perspective. Unfortunately, the precise GI value of a food isn’t something that’s as readily available as other nutrient information, like calories or fiber. Instead it requires clinical testing to determine the exact GI value of a particular food. Fortunately, however, you can use these four simple rules to help you make decisions about GI:

1. – GI only applies to foods that contain carbohydrate.  Oils, nuts, and most meats do not have enough carbohydrate to generate a GI. 

2. – The more a carb is refined or processed, the higher the GI.  Smooth, spongy white bread is more heavily processed than dense, chunky whole grain bread.  The white bread probably has a higher GI. 

3. – The more a carb is cooked, the higher the GI.  Mushy pasta or rice will be broken down and converted to blood glucose more quickly than the same pasta or rice prepared al dente.  The mushy stuff has a higher GI.  Apple sauce (even with no sugar added) will have a higher GI than a raw apple.

4. – The riper a fruit, the higher the GI.  An over-ripe apple, banana, or cantaloupe actually smells sweet, doesn’t it?  Nature has already started the process of breaking down the carbs, which is work that your body doesn’t have to do.  Carbs from ripe fruit are converted into blood glucose faster, resulting in a higher GI.

How much protein is enough? While there’s not a specific definition for what constitutes a high protein diet, the high protein diets used in many studies that assess the impact of protein on health provide  25-30% of calories from protein. So, if you’re following a 1500 calorie diet that’s about 95-110g of protein per day. (tip: there are 4 calories in every gram of protein). Here a few easy tips to up the protein in your daily cuisine:

1. – Throw in nuts and nut butters. Two tablespoons of peanut butter have 8 grams of protein and a handful of nuts has about 7 grams. Incorporate nuts/nut butters into your meals and snacks: top stir-fries and salads with chopped nuts; make a trail mix with nuts and dried fruits, power up fruits like bananas and apples with a side of peanut butter. Because nuts are also calorie dense, if you are trying to lose weight, keep portion sizes in check. 

2. – Try Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt has fewer carbs and almost double the protein as compared to regular yogurt.

3. – Add Fish to your weekly line up – fish are a great healthy source of protein (3 ounces has about 20g!) that can add a little variety to your weekly meals. Plus, fatty fish like salmon, albacore tuna and troug are packed with heart healthy oils.

Nutrisystem can be a great source for learning more about a low-GI, high-protein diet. All of the Nutrisystem® programs are high in protein and clinically tested to be low GI. Plus, you can access great resources including the “Simple Steps” low GI cookbook, which can help you and your family get started on a happy, healthy new year.

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To enter the Nutrisystem Marino Visit Twitter Sweepstakes, simply visit www.Twitter.com/Nutrisystem, become a follower of the Nutrisystem Twitter page (if you are not currently a follower) and retweet the Sweepstakes Tweet (the “Sweepstakes Tweet”), which will be posted at 4 p.m. on April 9, 2013. Only users who are following Nutrisystem on Twitter and have retweeted the Sweepstakes Tweet posted by Nutrisystem at www.Twitter.com/Nutrisystem will be eligible to win.  

Please note: All retweets (“Entries”) must be posted on Twitter by 5:00 PM, E.T., on April 9, 2013. No exceptions.

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ELIGIBILITY: The Nutrisystem Marino Visit Twitter Sweepstakes (the “Nutrisystem Marino Visit Twitter Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the United States who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees of Nutrisystem or any other company involved in the Nutrisystem Marino Visit Twitter Sweepstakes, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee, are not eligible. People who have been remunerated by Nutrisystem in excess of $500, including winners of previous Nutrisystem sweepstakes or contests, and people who have certain conditions that make them unable to use the Nutrisystem program are ineligible. The Nutrisystem Marino Visit Twitter Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law.

SPONSOR: The Nutrisystem Marino Visit Twitter Sweepstakes is sponsored by Nutrisystem Inc., 600 Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034 (the “Sponsor”). This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter. You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor and its affiliates and not to Twitter.

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HOW TO PARTICIPATE: You must complete the following in order to enter.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY: Visit www.Twitter.com/Nutrisystem, become a follower of the Nutrisystem Twitter page (if you are not currently a follower) and retweet the Sweepstakes Tweet, which will be posted at 4 p.m. on April 9, 2013. Only users who are following Nutrisystem on Twitter and have retweeted the Sweepstakes Tweet posted by Nutrisystem only at www.Twitter.com/Nutrisystem will be eligible to win. There is a limit of one (1) entry per person. Anyone found to use multiple accounts to enter will be ineligible.

SPONSOR’S RIGHTS TO SUBMISSIONS: By submitting your entry, you grant to the Sponsor and its agents the right in perpetuity to reproduce, publish, and use your entry, name, biographical information, and opinions in any way, in any and all media, without limitation and without further compensation. By submitting an entry, you warrant that you have the ability to grant the aforementioned rights to the Sponsor and its agents. You further agree not to instigate, support, maintain or authorize any action, claim or lawsuit against Twitter, the Sponsor, or its agents, on the grounds that any use of the entry, or any of derivative works, infringes your rights. You further agree to release and hold Twitter, the Sponsor harmless in the event that any third party instigates such an action against the Sponsor. Nothing herein shall constitute an employment, joint venture, or partnership relationship between you and the Sponsor or you and Twitter.

PRIZE, WINNER SELECTION & NOTIFICATION: One (1) winner will be chosen at random using an independent auto-generated selection process to receive an autographed football from Dan Marino. Odds of winning are contingent upon number of entrants. That winner will be required to privately (through Twitter direct message, email, or other secure, private means) provide their name, address, age and other personal information necessary to receive the prize.

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One term that you may have seen on a label is the ORAC number, standing for oxidative radical absorbance capacity.  This is a measurement for antioxidants developed by the National Institute on Aging.  You will see it on some packaging; the higher the ORAC score, the more antioxidants.

Some benefits that have been attributed to Superfoods include: reduced inflammation, lower risk for heart disease and cancer, improved digestive health, and lower blood pressure. While it cannot be guaranteed that you will experience all of the benefits claimed in some reports, it is worthwhile finding ways to incorporate these nutritious foods into your daily diet. 

It’s easy to fit many of the Superfoods into your Nutrisystem meal plan.  When it comes to your unlimited vegetables, go for brightly colored (raw or cooked) beets, red peppers, spinach, asparagus, broccoli- the choices are numerous and all are nutritious.  Red, black and pink dried beans are super Smart Carbs.  Other high antioxidant Smart Carb options include plums, apples, and cherries. Season your foods with spices such as garlic, coriander, turmeric, cloves, oregano and rosemary. 

 Greek yogurt is a popular choice for a Power Fuel; add fresh or frozen berries or dried cranberries.  Try sprinkling flaxseed or hemp seed on your yogurt, oatmeal, or lunch entrée.  For

healthy fats, try almonds and walnuts as another Power Fuel choice, flaxseed and sesame seeds as Limited Extras.

The Nutrisystem® Protein Drink is also convenient for blending in Superfoods such as frozen or fresh berries, fresh spinach or kale (you won’t know it’s there), unsweetened cocoa powder, or wheatgrass powder.

So add some colorful Superfoods to your diet. Pretty food is healthy food!

Tips for Traveling and Staying On Track:

• 1.) Bring your Nutrisystem collateral with you – i.e. meal planner and on the go meal planner/dining out guide etc.
• 2.) Sit down prior to vacation to choose restaurants to eat out at that have a variety of foods to choose from and that give you healthy options. Just be honest with your family/travel buddies. Even though you are excited about the trip and can’t wait, you still want to stay on track.
• 3.) Be sure to review the dining out guide and what’s a good meal choice when eating out.
• 4.) When dining out, remember that it’s okay to order the food cooked the way you want (i.e. salads with certain things not on the salad or on the side, steamed veggies (no oil) etc., grilled not fried etc). It’s okay to even let them know you have food restrictions and they will be sure to accommodate you as best as they can.
• 5.) Bring Nutrisystem with you — the pantry ready muffins, bars, snacks/desserts etc.  Even though you won’t be 100% on Nutrisystem, if you bring the items that can be packed, it will help you stay on track and not be as anxious. Convenience is one of the best aspects about the program!
• 6.) When eating out, if the portion size is too big (portion sizes should be no more than 6 – 8 oz – about the size of your palm) immediately ask for a to-go box and put half in the box before eating. That way you don’t overeat and have leftovers for lunch the next day.
• 7.) Share items with your family/travel buddies…like dessert. I always do this with my husband and that way you get a little taste without overindulging.
• 8.) Try to always go for salads as an appetizer. This will help you to get all your nutrients in and help keep you feeling full longer.  Get dressing  on the side so that you can control the amount and try your best to avoid creamy dressings, which tend to be high in fat and calories.
• 9.) When I go away, I try to be active as much as I can – try to participate in activities where you walk around and keep busy.
• 10.) Drink water with all your meals – with a nice slice of lemon or lime :)
• 11.) If you have any questions while you are away, you can always reach out to our registered dietitians by phone at: 1-800-585-5483, ext 1341.

One of the nine facts discussed in the paper aligns directly with Nutrisystem’s approach: “Provision of meals and use of meal-replacement products promote greater weight loss.” Hallelujah! Someone in authority has summarized what clinical studies have shown, and what Nutrisystem has been saying for years!  When researchers have tested dietary advice alone vs. advice plus provision of some of the food, the latter approach wins.  It is easy to understand why.  We live in a candy store.  Research has shown that we make more than 200 food & beverage decisions each day.  In the absence of provision of some of that food, we are in danger of making too many mistakes.  Provision of some of the food in portion-controlled fashion has two other benefits: 1.) it teaches about proper portion size; and 2.) it can guarantee delivery of better nutrition.  (OK, I could design a portion-controlled menu of junk food, but that’s not what any sensible person would do.)   So it’s no wonder that food provision helps.  Yet well-meaning organizations often talk about “paper diets”– which might be perfectly sensible in terms of nutrition – as if they represent the ideal solution.  I would bet any amount of money that if you conducted a weight loss clinical trial of a paper diet vs. Nutrisystem – subjects get a book to read and follow, or they get Nutrisystem food & support, and researchers track their weight loss — Nutrisystem would win.

Another of the facts was a very important & positive message: “Although genetic factors play a large role, heritability is not destiny.”  Amen!  Most of us struggle with our weight in the current environment, and no question genes make the struggle harder for some than others.  But we should not be discouraged from taking action, because our genes do not have the last word.  The human genome has not changed in the last 30 years, while we have seen the tremendous rise in weight problems; it’s our environment that has changed, online pharmacy and that is in our power to fix.  It helps if we take a moment to select the right tools.  “Provision of meals and use of meal-replacement products promote greater weight loss.”  When you are ready to lose weight, keep that fact in mind and try Nutrisystem.

*Cassazza K et al.  Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity. N Engl J Med 2013; 368:446-454January 31, 2013DOI: 10.1056/NEJMsa1208051

• (1.) – We launched Nutrisystem Success.  Nutritionally, this meant increasing the protein content of our program, which aids in avoiding hunger and maintaining muscle mass.  Our sodium levels, which were good in 2011, are even better now.  We are a few weeks away from eliminating the last traces of partially hydrogenated oil and high fructose corn syrup from our foods – two among dozens of ingredients that we are committed not to use.
• (2.) – We have expanded our frozen food offering and created more flexible choices for consumers to select & tailor a plan that meets their needs.
• (3.) – We launched transition & maintenance programs, designed to support long-term success.  These programs offer choices for customers to gradually step down from the full Nutrisystem program, and provide tools, recipes and support to help them continue with the pattern of eating that worked for them.  Many thousands of people have been on these programs, and those who use our online weight tracker are on average reporting modest additional weight loss, even though this group would include those who seek only to maintain their new weight.
• (4.) – We launched a new physical activity program, MyDaily3, which is a practical and flexible approach to start moving, or for moving to the next level of fitness.
• (5.) – We supported new clinical research, including several studies that have been presented at national medical conferences but have not been reviewed by the expert panel.  These studies have consistently found our programs to be effective & heart-healthy.  Our diabetes program, Nutrisystem D, has been proven effective in three trials conducted by leading universities.  Unfortunately, our diabetes program was never rated by the expert panel at all. 

Ratings and rankings based on the profile presented to experts that did not reflect these changes are dated, inaccurate and cursory.  That Nutrisystem was found to be a Top 5 Commercial Weight Loss Plan in spite of the process actually speaks well of our program.  We hope US News will cheap viagra online listen to this feedback and work with us and their panel to have future ratings reflect our program as it stands. 

We have a system proven to work, one that helps people lose weight and get healthier.  We will continue to make it better, and strive to get the recognition it deserves so that we can help more people.

 Here is information that Helene shared about the connection between diabetes and depression.

“As a diabetes educator, I have taught group classes where I often encountered individuals with diabetes on medication for depression. Depression and diabetes are frequently linked and can be a dangerous combination. A depressed person may have little motivation and feel purposeless, sleep too much or too little, eat too much or too little, and have trouble concentrating.  An individual who has diabetes and is depressed may neglect self-care and diabetes self-management, which is crucial to preventing severe long term complications.

The good news is that, in addition to medication, there are lifestyle interventions that a person can utilize to alleviate the symptoms of depression and help control chronic stress that elevates blood sugar. According to Dr. Stephen Ilardi’s research, there are six elements often missing in our “modern” lifestyles which can effectively prevent and/ or treat depression. The six elements are: a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, physical exercise, sunlight, sleep, mental stimulation and social connectedness. Because the average American eats fast food, leads a sedentary indoor lifestyle, sleeps less than 6 hours a night, watches 3-4 hours of TV and often lives alone, there are millions of people diagnosed and undiagnosed with depression. What can we do about it?  Let’s examine each of these six elements individually.

Since cell membranes are made up of fatty acids, having the right fat in our diets is crucial to proper cellular function, including insulin regulation. This is of utmost importance in the brain. Many food manufacturers, including Nutrisystem, have eliminated all trans fats from their food and replaced them with healthier fats. Taking an omega-3 supplement, such as that offered with our Nutrisystem D Plan, can help support brain health as well as heart health.

 Exercise is crucial to brain health and happiness because it raises the “feel good” chemicals known as endorphins. This is why after a good workout you feel as if you can solve the world’s problems. The increased oxygenation to the brain stimulates creativity and promotes problem-solving skills, both of which make us feel more productive and satisfied. On NutriSystem, tracking your Daily 3 not only helps reduce weight and control blood sugar, but keeps your mood and “can do” attitude up. Additionally, exercising outdoors in the sunlight produces a synergistic mood lifting effect. In the winter months when little sunlight is available, consult your doctor about a light box with a 10,000 LUX bulb to simulate the mood boosting effects of real sunlight.

Do you get less than 8 hours of sleep a night? Most of us do. Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation can cause a host of health problems and stimulate cravings for high GI carbohydrates. With some of the time you save by using Nutrisystem® prepared meals, devote yourself to getting the sleep you need to promote good health.

 The last two components of Dr. Ilardi’s depression treatment- mental stimulation and social connectedness, go hand-in-hand. Although social networking and Skyping can be helpful in the professional arena and for keeping up with distant friends, nothing can replace “face time” with loved ones. Having an intelligent conversation, seeing a play or classical music concert, attending a lecture, playing a board game, being involved in team sports, taking a dance class, or participating in a book club or support group are all good ways to stimulate the brain. If done with a friend or family member, you get two benefits from one activity.

I would add one thing to Dr. Ilardi’s list that is essential to navigating life’s deep mysterious waters, and that is a sense of humor. We often take the trivialities of life way too seriously and cause ourselves unneeded stress. (My husband and I often sit down to review a demanding day with our children, only to end up laughing until our sides hurt!) Looking at things with a sense of humor and sharing a laugh with others can boost mood, as well as lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Remember, life is in the journey, not the destination. Live every day to the fullest with these six elements plus a sense of humor and your level of happiness, life satisfaction and health will increase exponentially.”

Fort Washington, PA (PRWEB) January 07, 2013  

“The public health impact of hardened or stiff arteries in women is under-appreciated, and does not receive the attention of other cardiovascular risk factors,” says Dr. Arturo Figueroa, Associate Professor at Florida State University and the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences. Figueroa and colleagues were able to demonstrate that a hypocaloric diet may be recommended to reduce the increase in arterial stiffness associated with menopause and obesity. This study has been accepted for publication in the American Journal of Hypertension and was released online by the journal today.    

 Figueroa’s 12 week study examined whether the combination of a hypocaloric diet and low intensity resistance exercise can be associated with greater improvements in arterial stiffness and body composition, compared against each of the treatments on their own in overweight or obese, postmenopausal women. His team studied 41 participants, each of which was assigned to one of three treatment groups; low intensity resistance exercise therapy, a hypocaloric diet or a combination of both.

 Nutrisystem was utilized for the hypocaloric diet in this study, providing a pre-packaged, structured meal program to the participants. The exercise program consisted of four leg exercises at low intensity, requiring approximately 30 minutes per session. 

“The purpose of this study was to combine two practical interventions for this group of women. Nutrisystem is a readily available by home delivery, is easy to follow, and includes support tools for individuals on the program. Likewise, low intensity resistance exercise is something that almost everyone can do; it’s not necessary to own the specific equipment used in this study,” says Dr. Bruce Daggy, co-investigator on the study and Chief Science Officer of Nutrisystem. 

It was noted that 39% of the women studied were class II or III obesity, which is associated with a higher risk of mortality. 

Figueroa’s team ultimately found that the key to arterial health in obese postmenopausal women is in diet, specifically, a hypocaloric program such as Nutrisystem. Pressure waves generated by contraction of the heart muscle travel faster through stiff arteries, because stiff arteries are not able to expand outward; sensors placed on the subject can detect changes in pulse velocity that result from treatment. The researchers observed improvements in arterial stiffness with diet alone. The findings also indicate that there is an early effect of diet on leg arterial stiffness that influences brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, a marker of central arterial stiffness. This reduction in arterial stiffness can be considered to have a positive influence on cardiovascular function. 

The study also demonstrated an average weight loss of 5.8% (5.1kg) in the group that received the hypocaloric diet, due primarily to a reduction in body fat mass in the abdominal region. 

“The results were very pleasing to witness, and could be translated to practice rather easily. The key may be in ensuring adherence to these recommendations, and a structured diet can help in this regard by taking away the guesswork,” said Figueroa. 

Among the study other key finding was that the addition of low intensity resistance exercise to a hypocaloric diet can preserve lean mass. This is believed to be demonstrated for the first time, and confirms the potential therapeutic value of this form of exercise in obese individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform high intensity resistance exercise therapy. Maintaining muscle mass and strength is another import health goal in older women. 

All participants in this study were non-smokers, in absence of menstruation for at least 1 year, and pre- or stage 1-hypertension aside from being obese. This study was supported by Nutrisystem. 

About Nutrisystem
Having helped Americans lose millions of pounds over the last 40 years, Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) develops evidence-based programs for healthy weight management, and is the leading provider of home-delivered weight loss meal plans. Nutrisystem offers balanced nutrition in the form of low glycemic

index meal plans designed for men and women, including seniors, vegetarians and the Nutrisystem® D® program for people with diabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Nutrisystem® plans include a wide variety of pantry and frozen entrees and snacks to aid in program satisfaction and adherence, as well as transition plans to support long-term success. The Fort Washington, PA-based company also provides weight management support and counseling by trained weight-loss coaches and registered dietitians, as well as through an engaged online community, online tools and trackers, mobile apps, cookbooks and more. Healthcare professionals may learn more about the programs by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp. Nutrisystem® weight loss plans are available directly to consumers through http://www.nutrisystem.com, by phone (1-800-435-4074) and at select retailers. The Company has also introduced a new in-store retail line, Nutrisystem® Everyday® products, comprised of nutritionally balanced bars, smoothies, bakery and breakfast items aimed at consumers who aspire to eat healthier.

One member reported that, after losing 7 lbs the first two weeks, she had hit a plateau already.  Not really; it’s common for weight to stabilize after that greater-than-expected loss. When we initially begin a lower calorie meal plan, our bodies utilize glycogen stores in the muscles and liver as the first source of energy.  Glycogen is stored in water, so when this water is released, there can be a significant weight loss the first week or two.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will lose this amount each week.  The Nutrisystem meal plan is designed for a healthy weekly weight loss of about 1 to 2.5 lbs, so if your weight loss is averaging in this range, you are progressing normally.

It’s natural for weight loss to slow down as we get closer to goal.  When we lose weight, it is generally a combination of fat and muscle loss.  (Of course, we want to maximize fat loss and minimize muscle loss.) The loss in muscle can lead to a slower metabolism, so that our bodies are burning fewer calories. Remember that as your body becomes lighter, it takes fewer calories to move it, so your daily caloric expenditure will be lower if you do not increase your activity.

So what can you do when an extended weight loss plateau does occur? 

1) Make sure that you are adhering to your meal plan, first of all.  Perhaps at this point, you have gotten careless with dining out or are including a few too many extras. Keep a food log for a few days and give your counselor a call to review everything that you are eating (and drinking) on a typical weekday and weekend.

2) Diversify your shopping cart.  Your body may have become comfortable with the same foods and a consistent caloric intake, so add some variety to your Nutrisystem menu and to your selection of fruit, vegetables and other grocery additions.  Try moving meals and snacks around to vary the meal plan.

3) Change your exercise.  If you have had the same workout routine for a few months, your body has adapted and is working more efficiently now.  Switch to a different gym machine or a new form of exercise that will use different muscle groups.  Increase the duration or intensity, or try intervals where you vary the intensity.  Of course, if you have not been exercising up to this point, now is the time to establish a routine that will support your weight loss as well as maintenance.  (Check with your doctor if you have any health concerns.)

4) Add strength training to your exercise program.  This will help to minimize the muscle loss that can occur during dieting.  Strength training with weights can boost your metabolism to help burn more calories even when your body is at rest. 

5) Get adequate sleep and plenty of fluids.  Research indicates that these two factors can have an impact on appetite and metabolism.

Remember, a plateau is only a transitory stall; it will not be the end of your weight loss if you persevere. As frustrating as a plateau can be, do not give up and go back to your old eating habits.  Making minor changes can help you break through that temporary standstill to achieve your goal. Give your counselor a call for additional tips and motivation (800-585-5483, option 5).